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Full Circle
Residence on short-term incapacity, my again “out” once more, I hobbled on a cane to a lunchtime Brooklyn 12-step assembly to mark my fourth anniversary sober. After the assembly, Tom wished me congratulations and we exchanged numbers with plans for espresso. Just a few days later, ready on twelfth Avenue and seventh Avenue in Park Slope, I watched Tom strategy. I gestured with a flat hand moved in a large circle, a gesture I had by no means used earlier than. He mirrored me. We’ve repeated this gesture all through the 24 years we’ve been collectively. The circle has change into shorthand for “Good day, I see you.” — Jeff Nigro
My Brother’s Eid Present
Yearly, my household vies for finest Eid reward. Once I was rising up in northwest London, my favourite toy was a light-up, spinning Cinderella doll that my mom purchased from the Disney retailer (a giant deal as a result of that’s the place the wealthy youngsters shopped). I misplaced the toy however by no means forgot it. Earlier than a latest Eid, my youthful brother discovered somebody promoting the identical mannequin on-line. My household gasped in unison as I opened his reward. My brother’s thoughtful reward let me bounce again into the sweetness of girlhood because the Cinderella spun, as soon as once more, in my arms. — Hibaq Farah
Remembering the Three Phrases
The neurological examination was over. Alan had finished higher than anticipated, remembering two of the three phrases (“pencil” and “watch”) and the incumbent president’s title. Because the physician wrote his prescriptions, I stood subsequent to my very drained and careworn 88-year-old husband of 40 years. Answering questions places a pressure on him. He is aware of his reminiscence is failing. Later, I requested if he remembered the three phrases. He checked out me blankly, then nodded. I stated, “What had been they?” Quietly, and with such sincerity, he appeared into my face and stated, “I like you.” — Jane Fennell
Echo Chamber
We’re an echo chamber of the perfect selection, repeating area of interest platitudes forwards and backwards till we tire of affirmation. There’s a lot solace to be discovered within the feminine spirit, in listening to Fiona Apple and smoking out the window of my Paris condominium. My good friend doesn’t have to excuse her errors, nor I mine; we settle for one another’s missteps and have fun our imperfections. We go to the Louvre and have the identical conversations we had within the pallid gentle of our Philadelphia condominium. I feel if our lives had been novels, we’d choose the identical epigraph. — Aakruti Ganeshan
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